XXV. She as he?

Chapter 25

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" asked Leo as I let my sleeping gown fall right into my feet which by the way, gave me chills since it's really cold out here.

Now, I am left with my frustrating undergarments, what I mean by frustrating, it refers to the corset with braids in the back which I cannot untie alone.

Meaning, I need help from Leo since he's the only one who is in the room aside from me. At times like this, I badly need help from Martha or anyone with female genitals as general.

"Why are you taking so long?" Whined Leo since I didn't answer his question a while ago.

In case you're wondering, a dressing screen is the only thing that divides both of us and yep, I am almost naked here.

What a stupid girl am I. Now, will Grandpa will be happy at the idea? ABSOLUTELY...not.

"Uh, Mister Finley?" This would be embarrassing and bit inappropriate.

"Yeah?"

"Uhm, it's just that, I need your help," oh God, help me, please.

"Help in what?" What do you think?

"In undoing my corset, you see, it has braids in the back which I cannot untie alone," I explained as I rub my temples despite the fact he cannot see me.

After that, there was a long pause. A minute passed and still, there was no reply.

Uh...

"Mister Finley?"

"F-fine, just don't accuse me of being a pervert or something," he replied and after a few seconds, I sense that he rose from his seat and began to walk towards me, judging from the sound of his footfalls.

Of course, I grabbed my white lacey sleeping gown once again and raised it up to my chest to cover you know.

I didn't realize Leo was already there when I felt his shaking hands slowly untie the braids at my back.

I don't know what the evil happened for me to look behind my back and there he stood behind me, his face and neck are in the color of red as he bit both his lips. His hair is once again, messy which by the way, suits him and how could I forget that he is a head taller than me.

When our eyes met, it was my turn to blush. Just kill me already. I can feel my heart racing so fast.

"Uh, thanks for helping," I exclaimed as I turn back my head in front of me and due to how nervous I am, the grip on my gown hardened.

After this awkward scene, Leo hurriedly went back to his seat while I proceed to change my clothes. I then grabbed Leo's dark trousers and hurriedly slid it into my legs.

"To answer your question a while ago, yes, this is absolutely a great idea and besides, wouldn't it be suspicious for a girl like me to roam around the city in the middle of the night?" I replied. After I am done with the trousers, Leo's white polo is what I am up to next.

"But imagine the scandal of people finding out a victorian woman dressing up as a man, just imagine,"

"And since when did you began to care about what people think?" I replied as I work with the polo's last button.

And you know what I got as I reply from this soldier? It was a long sigh.

I can tell Leo was about to say something when I step out from the dressing screen and was about to made my way to a mirror when I realized there is not a single mirror in this very basement.

"Didn't I told you to please stop staring?" I said as I study myself by just looking down at myself and it just occurs to me that both the trousers and the polo perfectly fit me. The shape of my body can see right in the clothes except my boobs since I covered them with a cloth.

Also, I tied my hair up and borrow one of Leo's iconic top hat. To be fair, he let me borrow the most fancy one which only means I need to take extra care of it.

As far as I know, this is not Leo's built. Not that I think about it, you get my point. Ugh.

"Are these clothes even yours?" I asked as I let eyes roam around the clothes again, confused.

When I transferred my attention to Leo who is standing a few feet away from me, his arms crossed and once again, his face and neck are blushing.

"T'was mine until I outgrew it. I was maybe fourteen or fifteen when I last wore those," he replied, shrugging.

How old is he again now? 26? He really did grow, huh.

"Well, thank goodness you decided not to burn it since I don't want to wear what you're wearing right now. I bet I would look absolutely ridiculous in those loose clothes," then I playfully raised both my brows.

" You know what, loose clothes are far better than those tight fitting clothes. Come on, let's get you change. Wait for me, I'll just fetch some clothes back to my room," Leo already has his hand on the knob but I stopped him by saying " no, "

"I don't want to change. I pretty much prefer this one," I mean, I look so stylish. I am tired of wearing maid gown.

"but those are so fitting so no, I won't allow you to go outside wearing those," he replied, a bit annoyed. He then ran his hand through his dark hair.

I crossed my arms. "then I am not going,"

He raised his brow at that and said, "then fine, I am going alone," then smirked.

"Fine!"

"Like I said, fine. Well then, I better get going. Enjoy the rest of the night wearing those," this guy is giving me an headache.

Leo was about to leave when I ran towards him and smacked his back a bit hard which made him turn back to me, "is violence really your last name?", scratching his back.

I ignored his remarked, "Please don't go, I really wanted to join and wear these clothes, please," I then stared at his very eyes.

I can tell he is torn between something.

After a few seconds, I wrapped my arms around myself, "Please,"

Leo then ran his hand through his hair again and rolled his eyes, "Fine but let me draw a bit of facial hair in that pretty face of yours because, to be honest, everybody would still notice you're a girl,"

I almost jumped because of happiness and almost hug him but that would be embarrassing so I decided to stick with just smiling broadly at him which earned me a playful rolling of eyes once again from him.

Leo was staring seriously at me to the point I think he's seeing my spirit but it was him who broke the eye contact. He let out a fake cough, his signature one and said, "Wait for a second, I'll just grab a charcoal back in my room,"

Before I have time to reply, leo already left the room.

I let my eyes wander around the room, in case you're wondering, we are currently here in the old basement so yep, it sure was dusty here. It was me who found this place.

Many photographs can be found in the corner as well but I decided not to pay much attention to for they give me chills.

Well, not really found it since it was Martha who told me to clean it and I thought, why not make this our official hide-out instead of the garden where I think Augustus can see us.

Dozens of chests can be found at the very corner of the room and a thin mattress is gently laid out in the cold cement.

After a few minutes, Leo came back with a charcoal and handed it to me, and guess what, I just stared back at it. Uhm, what am I supposed to do? I am not really gifted in the drawing.

I then diverted my eyes to Leo who has his back to the door, staring at me with his right brow raised, both his hands inside his pockets. Uhm, why does he looks so stylish despite the presence of his tacky top hats? Okay, to be honest, I find them tacky before but as time goes by, I somehow got used to it and find it a bit appealing.

"You're supposed to eat it, Clementine," exclaimed Leo which made both my eyes grew wide.

Of course, I know what I need to do, I just don't think I have the talent.

I then let my eyes wander around the dark room once again, hoping to find a mirror but unfortunately, I found none. Since Leo is staring at me and I can tell he is itchy to leave the room and roam the city, I decided to just casually draw a random line around my chin.

Come what may, they said.

Trust your guts, they said.

I was halfway through my masterpiece when I heard Leo chuckle then raised his brow again.

"You're supposed to look like a man, not a homo erectus,"

"it's not the process that matters, it's the result. Just wait and see, Mr. Finley," I replied as I continued with my abstract.

Then the next thing I know, Leo's hands are on top of my shoulder then he retrieved the charcoal from my right hand and began to draw fine lines.

During the whole time, I was staring at him, his thick brows meeting and his lips in a thin-lined. He looks so focused. A tiny droplet of sweat then ran from his temple, not bothering to pay attention to it.

I am somehow mesmerized by his freckles that ran around his nose and under his eyes. I somehow want to touch them. I wonder if he has more freckles than I.

And the whole time, I can feel my heart beating so hard. Also, I can feel my palms getting sweaty. You know my greatest wish at the moment? For the skin above my lips to not sweat because we don't want to moisten my fake facial hair do we. Also, it is utterly humiliating if ever that happens.

All these time, I've been noticing Leo's sweats and yet, I, myself is sweating right now. Karma is fast.

You know what made things worse? leo was already finished and I am still staring at his freckles, looking like a complete idiot.

Oh, great.

What a blessed night.

"You still look like a girl," murmured Leo. I think he thought I didn't hear that.

Uhm, I am torn between wanting to look at myself and not. I want to because how the hell do I look like with facial hair? Also, I don't want to because I'm afraid I'll be conscious about it.

Leo then fakes a cough. "Uhm, come on, let's get going before the night ends,"

Leo then grabbed my wrist, dragging me with him. His black top hat tucked between his arm.

Good luck to both of us.

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" I whispered as I raised my brow.

"Let's just wait and see, Clementine," answered Leo, even in the dark, I can still see he is sweating hard as Leo and I slowly and quietly go to the ranch to fetch a horse.

By the time we reached the ranch, Leo insisted that I should wait outside while he'll be the one to get a horse for the both of us.

Uhm, I've never riden a horse before. Like ever. I mean, Grandpa said I should learn how but whenever my trainer will be there, I would pretend to be sick.

Somehow, I found myself hesitating on giving the horse a shot but hell, we cannot walk to the plaza. It's too far. It would be morning by the time we get there if we decided to walk.

What are we doing here in the middle of the night once again? Simple, it is to start my very mission. To unravel Mr. Douglas' deadly or not-so-deadly secrets.

How? Well, by asking the folks down town whether they know something fishy about Mister Douglas. I mean, asking a bunch of drunk guys down the pub will result in a handful of information, right?

A minute later, the sound of horse's hooves came and when I look up, I saw Leo with his mighty horse. Leo then steps down from the horse and gestured me to mount the horse.

I raised my brow at him for I don't know how. I mean, of course, I know how but I'm afraid I'll look stupid.

Leo then uttered a soft chuckle and offered me his hand which of course, I accepted but before that, I jokingly rolled my eyes at him.

"This is what I am talking about me wearing trousers. It's so much easier to move around with it." But Leo just rolled his eyes.

"do keep in mind that it's still highly inappropriate,"

The next thing I know, Leo is already behind me, his arms around me as he held the reins.

Uhm...this is awkward. Thank goodness he can't see me right now. I must've look really stupid. Imagine a Victorian lady blushing so hard with a facial hair.

The whole time, during our way to the plaza, all I can think about is how warm Leo is despite how I kept telling myself to stop. Also, I can feel my heart racing.

And to be honest, I am a bit dizzy due to how fast the horse is. I can't keep up with it. It's my first time, okay?

I must've been too engrossed with my thoughts to the point Leo poked me in the back as he stood right beside the horse already, offering me his hand. "You sure do love horses, huh,"

I accepted his hand once again, "I think i'm going to puke, Mr. Finley,"

As soon as I said that, Leo wrapped his arm around my shoulders and hurriedly took me to the nearest tree, leaving the horse at the side of the pub. Let's just hope nobody steals it.

As gross as it is, I committed to the tree as Leo rub my back, "You didn't told me you have problems with horses,"

I didn't bother giving him a reply. Instead, I shrugged at me. How can I know I get sick when riding horses when in the 1st place, I've never ridden a horse.

As soon as I finished puking which by the way, is very humiliating, I did the most unlady like thing one can ever do in this situation. You know what that is? I wiped my mouth with Leo's sleeves which I am wearing right now and unconsciously and shortly, laid my head to Leo's chest, hearing his heartbeat.

Leo then awkwardly pat me in the back. You know what stopped us from continuing this? It's when the pub's wooden door opened, revealing a drunk middle-aged man, still holding a liquor as he slowly walks towards us, swaying.

Leo hardened his grip around my shoulders as I stay close to him as the smell of the drunkard amplified. I avoided myself from cringing my nose because that would be really rude.

"You lads gay?" he asked as he played with his bottle and gave us a grin.

At first, I have no clue at what he is saying but then, I realized I am dressed as a man.

I can tell Leo was about to say something when the drunkard exclaimed, "No need to be shy about it, boy. My nephew's gay too, fine lad he is. Went to the mountain with his rich lover last winter,"

Then the next thing we know, the man was already leaving as he sung and sung on top of his lungs. Alternating between laughing and singing.

After that, there was a long pause between us.

"Well, at least, somebody thought I am a man," then gave Leo a wink.

Leo just ran his fingers through his messy hair and managed a soft laugh which made me laugh as well. Now, people might think we're crazy.

"Come on, no more dilly-dallying, let's get inside and find out about Mister Douglas," said Leo, grabbing my wrist once again.

As soon as we entered the pub, we are greeted by the strong smell of liquor and the smoke coming from their cigars. Also, so much are happening inside the pub. Some lads are laughing while some are way too busy with playing cards while some are sitting at the counter, drinking alone.

Nobody seems to care at our entrance. Well, it's not like we entered the pub with flashing golds wrapped around us.

"Stay close to me, Clementine," murmured Leo as he hardened his grip around my shoulder.

Uhm, is he aware I am dressed as a boy right now?

To avoid further conflicts, I replied with a simple nod.

Leo and I then walked towards the man sitting alone at the very corner of the pub.

It was Leo who asked, "Fine evening, lad,"

The man, probably in his mid-fifties stared at us, his right brow raising. I began to have doubts he'll answer us. I was about to suggest to Leo that we'll ask others but the man spoked.

"You do realize you look like a girl, right?" Exclaimed the man which somehow made me frown. And here I was, thinking the presence of my top hat and facial hair can fool him.

I used my manly voice to answer him which I know somehow made Leo smiled behind his knuckles. Do I sound like a toad?

"I got it from my daddy," I replied. Do they even use the term 'daddy' back then? Wrong move, Clementine, wrong move.

The man seems satisfied with that because he diverted his attention to Leo, raising his brow.

Leo then faked a cough and asked, "Do you know a man named Douglas Bennett?"

The man then sat straight, his grip around his liquor harden, "Well, what do you want to know about him?"

"Anything. I would appreciate it if you give us any information about him," replied Leo, using his military voice. You know, the bossy one.

"What are you willing to give in exchange for some information about that old man?" then smiled, revealing a set of rotten teeth.

Leo fished something from his pockets and the next thing we know, loads of money are on top of the table.

"Here's what I know about Douglas. He owns a shipping business that illegally transports illegal drugs to other countries."

" How do we know that's true? That may or may not be a lie, you know," Leo exclaimed, his brows meeting.

" Believe me, I didn't believe it at first. Back then, his only business is only about books but as time goes by, he began to have dirty business. He even sells drugs tucked between the pages of his book. My friend used to be a worker of Mister Douglas."

I am in shocked. I mean, illegal drugs were hidden inside the book? Wow. I wonder if I'll find a couple of illegal drugs at Mister Douglas' bookshelves.

"That old man is also known for forgery. His businesses include imitating a said object then selling it on the auctions. I remember back then when my late brother who is a fine artist, God bless his soul, worked for Douglas. Said that every week, he is required to imitate at least 2 paintings,"

I seriously don't know what to say.

"I also heard Douglas is forcing his reluctant son to follow his footsteps, I remember that bright boy when I cleaned his shoes when he was jist around twelve years old, said he wanted to be a fine doctor,"

Leo just nod at that statement, not giving any comment to avoid suspicions.

Leo and the man continue conversing. It always starts with Leo asking so many questions and the man eagerly answering it.

I then tap Leo at the lap which made his attention divert to me. "I need to relieve myself. I'll be back,"

Leo then raised his brow at me, unsure whether he'll agree or not since the pub is you know, dangerous.

But since the man is staring at us, watching every move we make, Leo reluctantly nod his head.

I then went to the other side of the pub, it took me seconds to realize once again that I am dressed as a male, meaning, I'll enter the men's comfort room instead of females'.

When I am already in front of the wooden door, I realized it's only reserved for men since all the people around us are men. Wow, it's the men's world after all...only inside the pub.

After I peed, I was about to join Leo and the man once again when I realized it'll be a great technique to ask other men inside the pub as well. Two is better than one, they say.

I approached the nearest person to my left, the one who is drinking alone as well. Like the man talking with Leo, this man is also at the corner of the room but opposite Leo.

I then approached him with a huge smile painted on my face, doing my very best to appear friendly.

As soon as I sat in front of the man, he raised his brow at me, questioning me. He then studied my face, as if he is memorizing every features of mine.

Now, it is my turn to raise my brow at him. "Excuse me, sir. I just want to ask you if you know a man named Douglas Bennett?" Then gave him a forced smile.

The man was probably in his mid-twenties, same age with Leo and Augustus. His blond hair is properly combed, his top hat sitting at his side. His suit is properly ironed as well. I guess this man is loaded. And if I were being honest, he is one fine looking lad as well.

The man just kept on staring at me, "what about him?" Then sipped a bit of beer.

"So, uhm, you know him?" I confirmed.

"Nah, who's he? Your illicit lover? You into older guys, huh?" He asked, grinning.

I am tempted to slap him across that smug face of his but since I don't want to cause any chaos, I kept my hands to myself and fought back the urge to roll my eyes.

"First of all, I am not into older men or men in general, sir," I replied, doing my very best to sound really frightening and manly.

"I doubt it, tell me, are you one of those lads who is, you know, gay? I mean, look at you, let's shave that facial hair of yours and you can pass as a beautiful lady," he exclaimed as he continued staring at me so creepily. He then released a wicked grin.

I was about to just up and go back to Leo when I felt the man's hand on top of mine. Hell no.

"Excuse me, sir but I better go back to my friend," tugging my hand away from his but he is way stronger than me.

His breath is close to my ears which made me cringe for the smell of liquor is very evident.

"Don't be shy, I'll let you experience heaven on earth," he whispered as he showcased another of his creepy grins.

"I told you, sir, I am straight as one can be," I replied, still tugging my hand away from him and began to look for Leo around the pub but he is nowhere to be found.

The man who he is talking with is nowhere to be found as well. My God.

Somebody help me.

This pervert then touched my chin, forcing me to look at him.

I then grabbed his hair hard and said, using my strong female voice, I don't care whether I'll get caught or what. "Don't you dare touch me, you dirty drunkard,"

He seems shocked at that but after a second, he flashed a creepy smile once again.

I can tell he was about to say something when all of a sudden, I can feel a familiar warmth behind me.

The next thing I know, the pervert is now lying on the floor, his nose bleeding as he let out a loud grunt.

"What the actual hell was that for?" He hollered, getting up to his knees as he held his broken nose.

Too bad for his handsome face. Serves him right.

"That's for being the biggest douchebag ever," I replied just before Leo can do any further, using my normal voice once again. I don't care what the others think. I am tempted to slap the pervert but my hand is too precious for that.

"You slut!" Shouted the pervert back and trying to stand up but before he could, Leo once agai attacked him, punching him right to his cheek which made the people around us whistle

I then tugged Leo's hand, Leo then wrapped his arm around my shoulders hard, clenching his hands.

I was about to say something when I noticed that the whole club has been silent. All are looking at us, their brows raising.

Some are smirking because of the image of two men, standing so close to each other which, by the way, are Leo and I.

"She's asking for it! Why the hell would she go here dressing as a man otherwise?" Screamed the pervert, looking angry as ever.

I can tell Leo was about to punch him one more time when I tugged his sleeve hard and dragged him out of the pub.

I can still feel the stares of others. Let's just pray they won't recognize Leo since he is a well-known soldier.

As soon as Leo and I are finally outside, Leo was still fuming.

"You two will surely rot in hell!" We heard the pervert shouted the minute before we exit the pub.

"Didn't you said you're just going to the bathroom?" Hollered Leo, angry as ever.

His brows meeting and his eyes fierce.

He then grabbed both my shoulders and shook me.

"I just thought it'll be better if we split up," I answered, looking sideways to avoid his angry stares.

"Well, it's not a damn good idea! What were you thinking, Clementine? What if something worse happened to you back then?" Screamed Leo and due to frustration, he let go of my shoulders and let himself fall to the ground.

His knees touching his chest, his hands on top of his head.

"I ju-just don't know what to do if something happened to you," he murmured.

I then quietly sat in front of him and ran my thumb through his face, forcing him to look at me, "I am deeply sorry, Leo. I promise I won't do something stupid again,"

Leo just nod at me, frustration is still evident in his face. I then rub both his shoulders and gestured him to stand up.

Grabbing his wrist, I exclaimed, "Come on, we still have time to find out about Mister Douglas' dirty business,"

But Leo remained stiff. "No, we're done with this stupid place. Let's go home, I've gathered enough information already,"

I was about to protest when I remembered I owe him for causing him trouble a while ago.

I have no choice but to let him help me mount into the horse, the whole time, I was frowning due to the chaos I jist caused.

Also, I realized I wasn't much of a help back then about unraveling Mister Douglas' dirty secrets.

I guess what we've ascertained about Mister Douglas' job is a sign that my mission, in fact, is making a progress.

The next step? Know more about him and you know how? That is through his one and only heir, Augustus.

I have tomorrow to worry about that but for now, my very problem is Leo who is still grumpy with me as we rode the horse.